Internet and mobile phone contracts: finally easier to cancel
With the new Telecommunications Act, there are some improvements for mobile phone and Internet customers. It is now easier and often earlier to terminate contracts than before.
As of December 1st, things will change for the better for mobile customers and anyone with internet or landline contracts. “Guilt” is the new version of the Telecommunications Act, which then comes into force under the cumbersome name of the Telecommunications Modernization Act. That sounds daunting at first, but it does loads of benefits for consumers with himself.
Telekom, Vodafone, o2: Contracts can be canceled monthly after the end of the term
One innovation stands out, which affects everyone who has a mobile phone, landline or internet contract. Because such contracts may soon no longer extend one year to the next – even if you don’t quit (source: Federal Association of Consumer Organizations / VZBV)
The following applies in the future: At the end of the contractually stipulated term, the term contract becomes an unlimited one without notice. Consumers can then at any time terminate with one month’s notice.
The typical mobile phone contract from Telekom, Vodafone, o2 and Co., for example, has a term of 24 months. If these have expired and the notice was not given in time, another year has been added so far. There is again an early notice period of three months. If that is missed again, there will be another 12 months and so on.
As of December 1, after the end of the first term, the Conversion to a contract that can be terminated at any time, The deadline is then four weeks. According to VZBV, this also applies retrospectively to previously concluded contracts.
Further innovations are planned around contracts for mobile communications or landline internet: Changes to the terms of a contract can be made unilaterally by the provider. Since in such a case consumers could easily be at a disadvantage, a right of termination without notice introduced. Customers can make use of this if the contract is to be adjusted unilaterally to their disadvantage. Providers must inform them in writing about the changes in good time.
Providers must inform consumers about offers
In addition, all customers who have a current contract with a provider for Internet, telephone or mobile communications will in future be at least once a year Informed about better alternative tariffs. The providers are obliged to do this. Existing customers should be saved from paying too much for overpriced old tariffs.
Cheap smartphones are not only available in contracts – we have the best bargains in Video compiled.
Contracts discussed over the phone are no longer valid from December 1st without written confirmation. The written version must also contain a summary of the main parts of the contract, such as the provider’s contact details, agreed conditions and costs, as well as the duration and conditions for an extension or termination.
